Carycomic And, so, I now watch it everytime it comes on Hallmark. I mean, let's face it. It's got everything a non-discriminating Hallmark watcher could want. A little comedy; a little pathos; a lot of romance; and even an element of mystery! The only things I do have (more than a little) trouble with are the in-story chronology and logistics. Unless the fictional town of Carlton Heath is situated between Bennington and Brattelboro, Vermont, I can't picture the efficiency-minded Miranda driving up from Logan Internation Airport (in Boston, Mass.) when the international airport in Burlington, Vermont, would have been much more feasible! Unless, of course, she hopped a commuter flight to Burlington and rented her four-wheel drive SUV, there?Then, there's the confusion about precisely when she leaves Seattle and arrives in Carlton Heath. Considering that Christmas Eve fell on a Saturday, in 2016, when did Miranda get that suitcase from Rick Torrance; when did she have the second of two fateful discussions with her good friend (and, possibly, foster sister) Blair; and, considering that most small towns in Vermont are built around their churches, why would the townsfolk hold their annual performance of "A Christmas Carol" on Xmas Eve (instead of the night before)? This is the only way I can sensibly work out the timeline in my head. Especially given the earliness of sunsets in wintertime New England!Thurs. 12/15/16: Miranda has those first two discussions with Annie and Blair, respectively.Fri. 12/16/16: She gets the fateful phone call from Torrance.Sat. 12/17/16: She meets him at the old theater and gets the old suitcase that belonged to her mother. She opens it, later that night, and finds the old photo!Sun. 12/18/16: She has her second talk with Blair. Folowing which, she hops an east-bound redeye that lands just after sunrise.Mon. 12/19/16: She spends half the day catching up on her sleep, though not before leaving Annie a reassuring phone message, The rest of the day is spent aboard a commuter shuttle to Burlington Int. Airport. Spending another night, in a local hotel, there, before renting a car the next morning.Tues. 12/20/16: She arrives at Carlton Heath by early afternoon. There, she learns the photography studio is long out of business. And that Ian McKendrick is more than just the handyman at the local inn.Wed. 12/21/16: Ian shows Miranda around town and they bond even further at the annual town Xmas Tree lighting.Thurs. 12/22/16: She confesses the true reason for her visit to Carlton Heath, and Ian gets the phone call about his dad.Fri. 12/23/16: The show goes on. Sat. 12/24/16: The truth about Miranda's quest is revealed at Xmas Eve dinner in front of all concerned.Sun. 12/25/16: tbcAll that aside, however? I eagerly await Part 3 of Robin J. Gunn's lovely trilogy..

kellyloco Both movies, starting with "Finding Father Christmas" complement each other VERY nicely. Very Well Directed, and 'Miranda' (Erin Krakow) comes across as a very believable / sensitive character, searching for answers leading to the identity of her real father, and her place with a far away unsuspecting family (back east, in Vermont), far removed from her Seattle connections. Her subtle but highly talented acting skills convincingly captures the audience, and takes them on a sentimental journey into solving a family mystery, and her place in not only finding who is 'Father Christmas', but the meaning of Christmas, itself ! Some subtle changes between the first movie, and the second movie are inherent, as you plunge into the sequel: "Engaging Father Christmas"... Daughter Julia Whitcomb changes young actresses (from the first movie), and one of the premises, behind the family mystery.. 'the captivating poem', behind the mystery to: "the beguiling eve".. actually changes content (a subtle line is added to the original poem, in the second movie. as was initially introduced in the first movie); But these are subtle elements / modifications that actually complement the overall finish product. BOTH - GREAT FAMILY HOLIDAY productions - a Must See !! But these are so good, you do not have to wait for the Holiday Season, to enjoy. Can't wait for the third movie to be released, (could it be: "Marrying Father Christmas" (??). High marks in this quality holiday drama series, as we have come to know and love - both Miranda and Ian, in this instant Christmas Classic journey...In writing this review, I am reminded by one of the 'hallmark' quotes, from the movie, that stand out - as that we should be reminded: "May Truth and Grace Reside Here".. how poignant.

Jazzie-too Finding a treasure! That's how this made me feel! Every Christmas I search for the movie(s) of the season to add to other favorites. (Grandpa for Xmas; all the Peter Falk Xmas movies, I'll be Home for Xmas....and several more) This year is definitely the "Father Christmas" duo! I missed this one in 2016, and didn't realize that "Engaging Father Christmas" was like a sequel. And the lead man, Niall Matter, is ho ho hoo hoo....leaves me breathless! Sure hope we see more of him in Hallmark movies!! How this story begins and continues in the 2nd feature, I can see it, going forward, in at least two more features. Next the wedding, followed by whereever the author takes us. I noticed both of these stories have the same authors, Golden and Gunn, so keep it going, please! I've already watched both "Finding" and "Engaging" twice already this season! Just make me feel good all over and feel the holiday spirit at it's best!

peterkoch-98114 This should read 'Finding my unknown father at Christmas time'. The actual title could mean shopping malls, low-rent bars, old people's homes and very occasionally somewhere very far north. In fact it's about a young woman who lost her mother very early in life and has grown up never knowing who her father was. She unexpectedly discovers a number of clues about her mother's secrets, the most important clue for us being that it's just before Christmas. From here we are presented with a mystery which she has to follow, with some of her own concerns; but for us it is most engaging and heart-warming.Early in her pursuit of answers she comes across a suitable interest. To test my observation I rewound, and sure enough, the expression and turn of her head gave it away. Unlike most other romances, he remains as a constant, providing a counter-balance for her fears and anxieties. Together, she is better equipped to handle what turns into a very complex situation.Set in a small Vermont town, the customs and Christmas activities of the villagers introduces us to all the main characters. Finding that one person who knows everything takes us down a winding path with a surprising ending. An ending that leaves the warmth from a good helping of Christmas delights.Conclusion: 8.0 Xmas points, for a delightful cast and a story to keep our interest throughout.